Drivers faced significant challenges on the A7 motorway in Costa del Sol, Spain, due to severe flooding caused by overnight and morning rainfall. Authorities advised avoiding the motorway towards San Pedro de Alcantara in Marbella as large sections were submerged, making travel hazardous.
Spain is currently preparing for the arrival of former Hurricane Leslie, which is moving across the Atlantic Ocean towards the Iberian Peninsula. This follows the impact of Storm Berenice and ex-hurricane Kirk, which have already brought strong winds, storms, hail, and substantial rainfall across various regions.
The state weather agency Aemet has issued alerts for several provinces in Andalucia, predicting up to 120 liters of rain per square meter in Sevilla, Cadiz, Malaga, Granada, and Almeria. As Berenice weakens and moves towards Morocco, it will continue to affect the Alboran Sea and parts of the Canary Islands.
On Tuesday, remnants of Hurricane Leslie are expected to reach Spain, downgraded to a tropical or strong storm, but still capable of adding moisture to the atmosphere. Meteorologists indicate that a deep trough will enhance rainfall, particularly along the Atlantic coast and in southwestern Spain.
Rainfall is anticipated to be widespread across the country on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the southwest of Andalucia likely to experience the heaviest precipitation. The Balearic Islands and Mediterranean regions may also see rainfall mixed with mud, known as 'blood rain', which occurs when airborne mud particles settle with rain.
Aemet has warned of the possibility of torrential rain along the Mediterranean coast of Andalucia.